The president signed an executive order on Sept. 17, 2026, directing federal agencies to evaluate saltwater fishing data collection systems and permitting processes.
The order, released Sept. 22, 2026, in the Federal Register, states it is United States policy to elevate the marine recreational fishing industry in federal ocean, coastal and public land decision-making. The document requires relevant agencies to partner with states and the private sector to modernize data collection.
Under the order, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Marine Minerals Administration, must establish a Federal Outer Continental Shelf Reef-in-Place Program within 60 days. The program will facilitate converting decommissioned offshore oil and gas structures into artificial reefs. The program excludes infrastructure associated with offshore wind energy facilities.
The order also directs relevant agencies to evaluate their existing permitting authorities within 60 days to effectuate a transition to multi-year permit terms of at least three years. Agencies are directed to establish the infrastructure for a unified interagency permit application, with the aim of deploying a joint portal within one year.
To address catch data, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, must deploy mobile applications for mandatory and voluntary electronic reporting by recreational anglers and for-hire operators. The Secretary of Commerce will evaluate the statistical reliability of traditional mail-in surveys to determine whether, and to what extent, they should be phased out.
Additionally, the order directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Interagency Shark and Pinniped Depredation Task Force and develop a standardized reporting protocol for depredation events within 90 days. Within 180 days, the Secretary of Commerce must also review targeted National Standards Guidelines under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act for consistency with the order’s purpose.